Story of Mahavir Swami

Mahavir Swami was 24th Tirthankar in Jainism, So Let's gather some knowledge about Jainism and Mahavir Swami.

Jainism is one of the oldest religions practiced in India, As per the Jain traditional accounts, Rishabhnath was the founder and first Tirthankar of Jainism. He is also known as 'Adinath', which translates into 'First Lord'. Including Adinath there have been twenty-four Tirthankars and Mahavir Swami was twenty-fourth among them.

Let's Learn the life of Mahavir Swami.

Birth and Early Life

Mahavir Swami was born as a prince of royal Kshatriya Family of King Sidharth and Queen Trishala. Maharaja Sidharth believed that after the birth of Son wealth of the state has been increased so he named his son 'Vardhman'. So the early name of Bhagwan Mahavir was Vardhman. Vardhman was born as an ordinary child but what he achieved was only due to his integrity, meditation, and hard work.

Renunciation

After the death of King Sidharth Vardhman fell into dispassion and wanted to live the ascetic life in the pursuit of spiritual awakening. At the age of 30 Vardhman left his home and family and went in search of infinite knowledge (Keval Jnana). He spent twelve years in the meditation and achieved Kevala Jnana at the age of forty-three. After this Mahavir Swami traveled throughout India to spread his knowledge and teach his philosophy of life and living.

Thoughts of Mahavir Swami

Mahavir Swami taught that there are five major vows(vrats) that every human being should follow. The five Principles of Mahavir Swami are as follows.


1.Ahinsa (Non-Violence): 

As per Mahavir Swami, every living being should be respected. We should avoid injuring anyone with our actions, speech or thoughts. Ahinsa is the foremost vow in Jainism.

2.Satya (Truthfulness): 

Never lie or never say anything that is a partial truth, never encourage anyone in any untruth. 

3.Asteya (Non-stealing): 

Taking what is not yours or what you don't deserve is a theft, Never steal anything.

4.Brahmacharya (Chastity): 

For Jain monks staying away from sex or sensual pleasures is an utmost vow, But if one is a household Brahmacharya is not possible for them the vow is to be faithful to their spouse both physically and mentally

5.

Aparigraha (Non-attachment): 

If one is a Sadhu not owning anything is Aparigraha, And for households not being attached to things, property and worldly possessions is Aparigraha. 

As we read and understand deeply, those five vows are only to make our lives simple, worthful and happy, Everyone who tries to obey them will be able to feel the change in their thoughts and way of living.

Other Teachings

Mahavir Swami denied to the concept of God being Creator, Protector, and Destroyer. Mahavira said that there is no destiny decided by God, If we do good, thing good the good things will happen in our life. Our Karma Decides our destiny, not God.  As per him, every living being has a soul and every living being should be loved and respected our religion teaches us to love and respect.

Nirvana (Death)

At the age of 72 after giving his last discourse at Pavapuri Mahavir Swami attain Moksha. But his life, his lessons, his speeches, and his thoughts will always be a source of "Gyan"(Knowledge) Human Civilization.